As we speak, hundreds of truckers and hauliers are protesting outside the gates of the Dáil because they are being absolutely crucified. These are small and family businesses that are already put to the pin of their collar with rip-off insurance costs, extortionate utility bills and the domestic cost of living and sky-rocketing increases in fuel costs are the final straw for many. Hauliers are essential workers who played a huge part in keeping the show on the road during the Covid emergency. Their protest today is…

No, I do not want to defer anything. On the contrary-----

Who informed the Taoiseach? Was it the Commission?

I have put forward two propositions to the Taoiseach. First, the carbon tax will have the effect of increasing people's bills. That is a matter of fact. I have also advanced the proposition of waiving VAT on a temporary basis for three months. The Taoiseach has knocked both of those back. We are all well aware that the energy crisis is global. I am not laying that at the Taoiseach's feet, but it is his responsibility as Taoiseach and that of the Government to respond to the crisis for households and businesses. For…

Has he explored that fully? Has he put it to the Commission that he wishes to do that? If my ideas are not runners, what are the Taoiseach's ideas? What is he doing for families and businesses now?

Did the Taoiseach speak to the Commission?

Did the Taoiseach speak to the Commission?

When did he have the discussion?

I am sorry. I interrupted the Taoiseach because-----

Lorraine is in Cork. She is not-----

What is the Taoiseach going to do for her?

That is far too little.

Yesterday, I raised with the Taoiseach the fact that so many people could not access PCR tests and he told me that this was not a problem. Today, there are no PCR tests available in 14 counties according to the HSE's portal. There are no PCR tests available in Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Meath, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow, Kerry, Laois, Louth and Leitrim. For people experiencing symptoms or in a household where someone is experiencing symptoms, not being able to access these tests is frustra…

For the wonderful Minister to make a botch of it again.

Fourteen counties with none.

That is correct.

When will people in those 14 counties be able to get tests?

This winter, Taoiseach.

This is happening now.

Does the Taoiseach live in the real world?